Provincial Advisory Council on the Status of Women

The Provincial Advisory Council on the Status of Women (PACSW) serves St. John's, NL and the broader province as a legislated advisory body dedicated to advancing women's equality and rights. Since its establishment in 1980 by the Provincial Government, PACSW has provided comprehensive information, analysis, and strategic advice to the Minister Responsible for the Status of Women and other government departments on critical matters affecting women throughout Newfoundland and Labrador.

PACSW's core mandate encompasses multiple strategic functions: advising the minister on women's status issues referred for consideration, proactively identifying emerging matters of concern to women, bringing significant issues before both government and the public, and establishing organizational policies that guide the council's operations. The organization specializes in policy analysis and government advisory services, working to identify actionable options for advancing existing policies toward equality and addressing policy gaps that negatively impact women in the province.

Operating as an arms-length government body, PACSW collaborates extensively with community partners throughout St. John's and Newfoundland and Labrador to raise awareness on women's issues and amplify women's voices in public discourse and government decision-making. While PACSW does not provide direct front-line services, the organization leverages its extensive network of provincial partners to ensure comprehensive support for women's needs. Through strategic guidance and direction to provincial government, PACSW identifies pathways for meaningful policy change and equality advancement across Newfoundland and Labrador.